According to the National Institute of Mental Health, about 5% of teens struggle with PTSD. PTSD can severely worsen a teen’s mental well-being and can impact their lives. From negatively impacting academic performance to fracturing relationships with loved ones, PTSD, if left untreated, can damage virtually all areas of your child’s life.
At Embrace U, we offer adolescent mental health care in Brentwood to help children and teens ages 10-18 get the exact care they need to regain control of their lives. We understand that every journey to mental well-being is unique, which is why we offer a range of mental health treatment services so teens and adolescents can receive tailored treatment plans that best align with their needs. Contact us today to learn more about how we can support your mental health treatment journey.
Why PTSD in Teens Is So Complex
PTSD in teens and adolescents is complex because adolescence is already a time of many physical, emotional, and social changes and challenges. Not only are the teen and adolescent years a transitional period where children learn more about themselves and form their own sense of identity, but they also learn how to develop coping strategies to manage stress. When children experience trauma, they often lack the necessary coping strategies needed to manage or communicate their emotions effectively.
Diagnosing PTSD in Teens and Adolescents
Diagnosing post-traumatic stress disorder in teens and adolescents poses several challenges. These individuals are in the midst of emotional and cognitive development, making it difficult for them to articulate their experiences and emotions effectively. Behavioral changes, such as irritability or avoidance, may be misattributed to normal adolescence or other mental health issues. The coexistence of PTSD with other disorders complicates the diagnostic process, as symptoms overlap. Additionally, teens may be reluctant to disclose trauma due to fear or stigma. Symptoms like mood swings and changes in sleep patterns may be misunderstood as typical adolescent behavior. Expressing trauma through art or play further adds complexity, requiring professionals to recognize non-verbal cues. The presence of complex trauma histories involving multiple events complicates the clinical picture. Specialized training in trauma-informed care is crucial for professionals working with this age group to navigate these challenges effectively.
Challenges in Teen PTSD
Navigating the complexities of PTSD in teenagers is particularly challenging as adolescents are in the process of developing coping strategies and learning to balance various stresses and responsibilities. Unlike childhood, where coping strategies may not have been as necessary, adolescence introduces a range of stressors, from academic pressures to the need for social acceptance. This exposure to stress can strain mental health, especially for teens dealing with untreated PTSD symptoms. The challenge of managing these symptoms may lead some teenagers to resort to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance abuse, in an attempt to alleviate their distress.
Engaging in such detrimental coping strategies during adolescence not only poses immediate harm but can have lasting consequences. Substance abuse, including drugs and alcohol, not only carries potential life-threatening risks but can also lead to the development of a persistent addiction with continued misuse.
Grappling with both drug addiction and PTSD simultaneously creates a formidable barrier to overcoming these challenges independently. Seeking professional help becomes crucial in such situations, as addressing a mental disorder and addiction requires specialized assistance. Teens and adolescents facing these issues need to recognize the potential long-term impact and reach out to professionals for support and guidance in managing their mental health.
Help Is Available at Embrace U
PTSD, left untreated, can severely interfere with your child’s health and quality of life. Unfortunately, the complexities of treating and diagnosing PTSD in teenagers can not only make seeking treatment difficult, but it can negatively impact all areas of their lives, from their physical development to social relationships and more.
You should never feel too afraid or ashamed to ask for help leading a healthier, happier life. Embrace U provides personalized care to best support you along your road to recovery. Whether you are struggling with PTSD or another mental health condition, we are here to help you every step of the way to regain control of your life. Contact us today to learn how we can help you lead a happier, healthier life.